Mark Podolski: #baseball247 week is here

Baseball is here, and so are we. When you see #baseball247, you know itís The News-Herald coming at you with a plethora of baseball stories.
It will culminate on April 4, when the Indians and Captains play their home openers three hours apart from each other. First pitch at Progressive Field is 3:05 p.m., and 6:30 p.m. at Classic Park.
Here are the stories and events readers can expect during #baseball247, either in print or at www.News-Herald.com or both (dates subject to change):-- April 1: Actor Corbin Bernsen weighs in on the 25th anniversary of the film ďMajor League,Ē plus a podcast with Bernsen and more. ... A feature on Captains manager Mark Budzinski, who left a lucrative career in real estate for a return to the dugout. ... Indians beat writer Jim Ingraham weighs in on the opener in Oakland in a column. ... An update on the status of the exhibition game between the Captains and Double-A Akron Rubberducks. The March 30 snowstorm has the playing conditions of Classic Parkís field up in the air.-- April 2: All are welcome to The News-Herald at 7 p.m. for our Tribe Talk with Jim Ingraham. RSVP to the event at 440-497-0580. ... A feature on first-year Captains pitcher Adam Plutko, the College World Series MVP last season during UCLAís run to the NCAA title. ... Resident N-H fantasy baseball guru John Kampf offers his tips on winning your league. ... Twenty-five years ago, Upper Deck produced its first-ever baseball card set, highlighted by arguably the most popular card of the modern era, the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie. In the process, the industry was changed forever. ... Book reviews of two newly published Indians books, plus three more suggestions.-- April 3: Come to Classic Park at 5 p.m. for The N-Hís Captains Chat. Manager Mark Budzinski, play-by-play announcer Craig Deas and N-H beat writer David S. Glasier are expected to talk. Starting at 6 p.m. (weather permitting), watch the team work out on the field. ... A profile of North grad Chris Mongiardo, who will manage the Lake Erie Crushers in Avon this summer. ... Jim Ingraham offers his thoughts on the sweet sounds of the game.-- April 4: Player profiles of the Indians and Captains. ... Jeff Schudel provides his take on the lost art of baseball nicknames. Hint: They arenít what they used to be. ... Have you ever compiled a list of your favorite things about baseball? Yours truly did so, and it was a blast looking back at my childhood. ... A preview of the high school baseball season that should be pitcher-heavy, highlighted by Mentorís 6-foot-7 Kade McClure and Mayfieldís 5-foot-7 John Schreiber. ... A look back at the forgetful 1899 Cleveland Spiders.-- April 5: Recaps, columns, analysis, photos, videos from the Indiansí and Captainsí openers.
A few other things that have caught my attention during our #baseball247 week:
-- Catcher Yan Gomesí reported six-year, $23 million extension came out of nowhere, but the decision by the Indians was outstanding. Gomes was one of the teamís unsung heroes last season. Heís an emerging star.
-- Itís disappointing slugger and Indiansí 2013 first-round draft pick Clint Frazier didnít arrive in Lake County with the Captains on March 30. Frazier is nursing a hamstring injury, but heís expected to make his Captains debut eventually. Stay tuned.
-- Baseball fans had to be shaking their heads watching the snowstorm on March 29. Add anyone associated with the Captains to that list. Lake County is hosting an exhibition game with the Double-A Akron Rubberducks at 5 p.m. April 1. A Captains official said plans for the game are dependent on the next two days, and when the Classic Park tarp is removed and work is done on the field. The good news: Temperatures are expected to be in the 50s on April 1.
-- Sports Illustrated predicts the Indians with a record of 82-80 this season ó third place behind the Tigers and Royals ó and the Washington Nationals to defeat the Oakland Aís in the World Series.Have a question, complaint or an opinion? Send a letter to the editor to Sports Editor Mark Podolski to 7085 Mentor Ave., Willoughby OH 44094 or email MPodolski@News-Herald.com.

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About the Author

Mark's an Ohio State graduate who's been with The News-Herald since 1996. He enjoys exercising, reading, writing, cooking, spending time with his family and college football. Reach the author at mpodolski@news-herald.com
or follow Mark on Twitter: @mpodo.